Xavier never dreamed that he’d end up homeless. But at age 13, life on the streets seemed easier than enduring more abuse at home. “It was scary, because you never know where your next meal’s going to come from. It was hunger pains. Not having clean clothes. It felt like hopelessness.” Along with the pain…
Read MoreTony’s work shoes “split wide open.” That was the final straw. After working out of his car for about three years at a McDonald’s in Bakersfield, California, it wasn’t losing his car, or even losing an apartment to bedbugs that did him in. It was the shoes. “I hit a couple of hiccups,” he said. “[After…
Read MoreIt’s noon on a Thursday at the Burnside Shelter. Thursdays are a good day. The Guest Care Center door is open and art and color and the sharing of life takes place. Step inside and you’ll meet Andrew and Erin. Both on staff at Portland Rescue Mission, the two wanted to create a place where…
Read MoreLittle things make a huge difference for the women in our Connect program. Often coming from very difficult situations, and incredibly challenging circumstances, the women at our Burnside Shelter find blessings in the unlikeliest of places. “Just sitting on a couch compared to a hard chair is a luxury,” Megan described. “A hot shower is…
Read MoreThe fact that Christine is here today is nothing short of a miracle. “I’ve struggled with drug abuse and alcoholism most of my life along with the destruction that comes with that,” she said. “Jails, hospitals, psych wards, all of that. I’ve been suicidal most of my life.” But the pain Christine was feeling was…
Read MoreDid you know there are about 4,000 people on the streets of Portland experiencing homelessness? Did you know that YOU can change that statistic? There are many creative ways to join the fight against homelessness. Every time you volunteer, give or even talk about Portland Rescue Mission, you make a difference. IT ALL STARTS WITH…
Read MoreKat loves plants. In fact, she’s downright passionate about them. But there’s a flipside to that affection: Kat loathes fake plants – something she emanates to everyone around her. “Since Kat came in to Shepherd’s Door, she’s always been so authentic and real,” said Julia Richmond, a Growth Leader at the New Life Ministry for…
Read MoreAt Portland Rescue Mission, we often see people come through our doors with wounded hearts and dim futures. But, many of those lives have been restored … and all through the hope given by your support. A perfect example of this is Dan, who might not be alive today without help from friends like you. He…
Read MoreOne day at a time. One week at a time. One month at a time. One life at a time. Thanks to the consistency of friends like you, that’s how the lives of men, women and children suffering from homelessness and addiction are being transformed at Portland Rescue Mission. Since we don’t receive government funds, it is only because…
Read MoreMeet Melissa, who just one year ago walked through the doors of Shepherd’s Door. We asked her to take a look at her badges and think for a moment about then versus now. How has she changed? What’s different about her spirit and her outlook on life? Here’s what she said … (She looks at…
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